Vol 5, No 6 (2009)
Review paper
Published online: 2010-03-01
Drug hypersensitivity reactions and desensitization in oncology
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2009;5(6):244-249.
Abstract
Symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents include pruritus, erythema, facial flushing,
fever, tachycardia, dyspnea, rash/hives, headache, chills, weakness, vomiting, burning sensations, dizziness,
and edema. Prevention consists of histamine receptor antagonists, steroids and slowing down the
infusion rate. Although the reported incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents is considered
to be low, alternative treatment is usually less effective or hardly available, because of high costs.
Rapid desensitization allows patients, who experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions to receive effective
first-line therapy for their primary or recurrent cancer. Temporary clinical tolerance is achieved by
administering small incremental doses of drug suspected to induce hypersensitivity reaction. So far, desensitization
protocols have been described for taxens, platins, doxorubicin and other antineoplastic agents.
Keywords: drug hypersensitivitydesensitizationantineoplastic agents
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